Raiska Herrera’s Post

I never made a one-year anniversary post about my first job after college, and there’s a reason why. As I navigated starting my career, I also watched my parents finalize their divorce. I’ll keep the personal details off of LinkedIn, but here’s what the last year has taught me in work and beyond: • Empathy Matters: You never know what others are going through outside of work. A little kindness goes a long way. • Work as a Constant: On tough days, work may be the only constant. Sometimes, that consistency is a welcome anchor. • Embracing Change: Life and work can both present challenges. Whatever you do, adapt, pivot when necessary, and keep moving forward. So no, I never posted celebrating my one-year. I didn’t highlight achievements throughout the year, and I didn’t network with every person I met. I focused on myself, and I’d like to think I’m better for it. With that, here’s to year two and all that comes with it—hopefully, a little bit better than the last.

Born to be alive 🎶🎶🎶 As I celebrate another year of life today, I find myself reflecting not just on the challenges of living with a renal failure, but on the profound lessons it has taught me—lessons that I believe carry immense value, not just in the personal realm but within our professional lives as well. Living with a condition that prompts me to view each day as potentially my last has transformed my approach to life and work in ways I could never have anticipated. It has taught me the power of resilience, the importance of passion, and the value of embracing every moment with purpose and gratitude. Here are a few insights I've gained: The Power of Now: My condition has taught me to live in the present. In a world where we often postpone our happiness in pursuit of future goals, I've learned the importance of finding joy in the present moment. This approach has not only enriched my personal life but has significantly enhanced my productivity and creativity at work. Resilience: Facing daily challenges has fortified my resilience. In the professional world, this translates into an ability to navigate setbacks with a calm determination and to emerge stronger from each challenge. Genuine Connections: Understanding that every day is a gift has made me prioritize authentic relationships. In business, this has translated into building deeper connections with colleagues and clients, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. Pursuing Passion: Knowing that my time might be limited propelled me to pursue what truly matters to me. This lesson is vital in our careers—when we align our work with our passions, we unlock an unparalleled source of motivation and fulfillment. As I share these reflections, my hope is to inspire others to embrace every day with purpose and passion, regardless of the challenges we may face. Let's remind ourselves that life's limitations can often be the catalyst for our greatest growth and achievements, both personally and professionally. Let this be a call to action: live fully, work passionately, and cherish every moment. After all, isn't this the essence of a life well-lived?

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Should you be celebrating, Happy New Year. 2023 was a good year for me. I hope it was for you too. The year being great isn’t only about wins and triumphs, it’s also about the failures and losses, as long as it’s in the way of growth and progression. Not all of us are blessed with the discipline of having plans and sticking to them just as is, some of us have plans but not enough fluidity to navigate reaching those plans as they change. Last year, I spent almost $500 to buy a course I believed I would use immediately after I completed it, but I didn’t, at least not yet. Some other things showed up, and I weighed my options and decided to go a different route than I initially planned. I know this is the time many of you create those New Year resolutions. This is good but don’t be too hard on yourself. If life isn’t opening up the way you envisioned, don’t be sad, rather, solve the problems that showed forth, and match on. I know there’s not only one way to reach your destination. -there are lots of other ways to get there. Just keep going, you'll get there. Happy New Year folks Enjoy 😊 N.B: New Profile Picture alert. When did you last change yours? 😊 #sodiqpoints #newyear

Happy Birthday to me! As I celebrate another year of life, I'm filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. Life has taught me that we are never too old to grow, learn, and transform. Each year unfolds new challenges and opportunities, shaping us into who we are meant to be. At 39, it’s clearer than ever that growth is not confined to our youth; it’s a continuous, lifelong journey. It's about embracing change, seeking knowledge, and welcoming new experiences with an open heart. Every moment, every interaction, and every setback presents a chance to evolve. This past year, I've been privileged to define life on my terms. I’ve engaged in deep, abstract conversations with incredible colleagues and friends. I've witnessed the transformative power of authenticity and collaboration. I've built stronger, more supportive relationships through acceptance and heartfelt human connections. I've found immense joy in watching my daughter, my partner, my family, my friends, my colleagues, and myself grow. So, here's to another year of growth. Here's to pushing boundaries, embracing the unknown, and discovering the magic in the exceptional and the mundane. Here's to never being too old to dream, strive, and become the best versions of ourselves. To everyone who has been part of my journey, thank you. Your support, wisdom, and encouragement mean the world to me. Let's continue to inspire and uplift each other, because together, we can achieve remarkable things. #NeverTooOldToGrow #LifelongLearning #BirthdayReflections #PersonalGrowth

“Defining moments shape our lives, but we don't have to wait for them to happen, we can be the author’s of them.” The Power of Moments I was knee deep in a meeting yesterday and received a call from my daughter. Like every dad, I walked out to take the call, making sure all was well. It was a celebration call from a soon-to-be college graduate about her first job opportunity. What a defining moment opportunity. Sure, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries are great moments to be celebrated. But, what if you turn those “everyday” moments into something special (which they are). The milestone achieved by your spouse. The big win by a teammate. The step of faith of a child. Creating a defining moment can become difference makers for a member of your family, a coworker, a client. Defining moments can become the memory of a lifetime. Perhaps the most incredible outcome of creating a defining moment is the tendency for the receiver to pay it forward. Defining moments create cultures. You can create from here.

🎉🥳 As I celebrate my 25th birthday today, I can't help but reflect on the journey that's brought me here. This milestone isn't just about getting older, it's about the lessons learned and the challenges overcome. 🚀 In my early 20s, I faced a mix of uncertainty and excitement. Balancing personal growth with professional development was not always easy. I juggled the demands of a budding career with personal goals, and I won't lie – it was tough at times. But each challenge was a stepping stone, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the power of a positive mindset. 🌍 The world is an ever-changing landscape, and adapting to these changes has been pivotal. Whether it was navigating the complexities of a post-pandemic world or keeping up with the rapid pace of technological advancements, each hurdle has only made me stronger and more prepared for the future. 🤝 I am incredibly grateful for the support system I've had along the way – mentors who guided me, colleagues who challenged me, and friends and family who stood by me through thick and thin. Your wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support have been the wind beneath my wings. 🔍 Looking ahead, I'm excited about the opportunities that await. The journey so far has been enriching, and I'm eager to see what the future holds. Here's to embracing the next chapter with an open heart and an eager mind! #Turning25 #LifeLessons #CareerJourney #Grateful #HereToTheFuture 🌟

May 1st - I felt a shift. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I ceased celebrating new months or embracing excitement. It feels as though I simply woke up one day and chose indifference. What's the point of marking time when nothing seems to change? But today, everything feels different. Over recent months, I've dedicated myself to learning and self-improvement. I was accepted into all the programs I applied for, and suddenly, life seems clearer. I took a moment to acknowledge my achievements and set new milestones for this month. I realized it wasn't the new month I stopped celebrating, but rather the potential for new beginnings. There was a lack of anticipation, just routine. With newfound alignment, life has become more serene. For the first time in a while, I'm excited and I anticipate the opportunities this new month holds. Fear and nerves have dissipated; I have plans, and my task is to stick to them. Reflecting, I understand the significance of setting goals at the start of the year. Organization provides clarity and purpose, making life more manageable. Today, seize opportunities. Enroll in that course, share that picture, initiate that change, and abandon procrastination. The satisfaction of fulfillment outweighs any initial apprehension. Make those changes, and you'll find it's truly worth it!"

I recently celebrated my 37th birthday with a long weekend getaway, surrounded by four of my closest childhood friends. As I reflected on the past year—both personally and professionally—here are my top three takeaways from my 36th year and 3rd year as a business owner: 1. You Can’t Do It All (And That’s OK): When I first launched Elevate, I had a clear vision of how I wanted to grow the business, but I quickly realized I couldn’t carry every task on my own shoulders. Learning to delegate wasn’t just an option—it became a necessity. Trusting others with key responsibilities has been a game-changer. 2. Build a Team You Trust: This year reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. I’ve worked hard to cultivate a team that I not only trust but who truly believes in our mission. With the right support in place, even when I’m taking a break for some much-needed R&R, I know Elevate is in good hands. 3. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small): Whether it’s taking a step back to reflect on how far you’ve come or simply enjoying a weekend off with friends, it’s crucial to celebrate yourself and your achievements. This year, I’ve learned that self-care and celebration are just as important as hard work. Here’s to another year of growth, lessons, and continued celebration! #birthdaycelebration #happybirthday #itsmybirthday

Today, I celebrate another year of life and the opportunity to continue evolving both personally and professionally. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my story so far. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable. Here’s to embracing new opportunities and making this next year my best one yet! 🥂 #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerMilestone #Gratitude #NetworkingMatters #GrowthMindset #Gratitude #NewBeginnings #MathematicsTutor #CustomerService #ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalGrowth